If there’s ever a dessert that bridges comfort and elegance with absolute ease, it’s the Apple Upside Down Cake. This classic treat boasts layers of glossy, caramelized apples nestled beneath a soft, cinnamon-scented crumb, all crowned with a sticky-sweet glaze that appears like magic as you flip the cake from pan to plate. Whether it’s an afternoon pick-me-up or the show-stopping finale at your next autumn gathering, this recipe delivers warmth, nostalgia, and just the right touch of drama—every time. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell fantastic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Apple Upside Down Cake is how simple, familiar ingredients join forces for a memorable dessert. Every component, from crisp apples to aromatic spices, plays a special role in bringing out heartwarming flavors and beautiful textures.
- Apples: Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for slices that hold their shape and offer a pleasing tartness.
- Unsalted Butter: Divided use ensures the apples get a luxurious caramel layer while the batter stays light and tender.
- Brown Sugar: This is the secret behind the gooey, toffee-like topping. Pack it in your measuring cup for maximum caramel goodness.
- All-Purpose Flour: The cake’s base, providing just the right structure—spoon and level as you measure for accuracy.
- Baking Powder: Lends lift and airiness so your cake is soft and not dense.
- Salt: A pinch balances sweetness and wakes up all those homey flavors.
- Cinnamon: Adds a cozy warmth that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Nutmeg: Gives the cake subtle, aromatic depth—freshly grated if you have it!
- Granulated Sugar: Creamed into the batter for a tender, even crumb.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness—use room temperature eggs for the fluffiest results.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon rounds out all the flavors, adding a bakery-fresh touch.
- Milk: Loosens the batter to the perfect pourable consistency—whole milk works best, but any will do in a pinch.
How to Make Apple Upside Down Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Apples
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9-inch round cake pan or an oven-safe skillet, add 1/4 cup of the butter, and melt it either on the stovetop or in the oven for a minute or two. Once melted, sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the buttered base. Next, artfully arrange the apple slices in an overlapping pattern (a rosette always impresses) on top of the sugar. This will be the stunning top of your Apple Upside Down Cake.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures an even distribution of the leavening and spices, leading to a cake with a soft, consistent crumb and balanced flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream together the remaining 1/4 cup unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Take your time here—creaming incorporates air for a lovely cake texture. Use a hand or stand mixer if you have one, but a little elbow grease works too!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. You’re building richness and structure for your Apple Upside Down Cake now, and each addition makes the batter silkier.
Step 5: Combine Batter Ingredients
Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to your bowl of creamed ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix gently, just until the batter is smooth—don’t overmix, or the cake could end up tough rather than tender.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter carefully over your beautifully arranged apples, spreading it gently with a spatula to cover all the fruit. Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. When the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, it’s ready.
Step 7: Cool and Invert
Let your Apple Upside Down Cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes so the topping sets slightly. Then, run a knife around the edge, place a serving plate over the top, and quickly—yet confidently—invert! Slowly lift the pan so the caramelized apples reveal themselves on top for a true dessert showpiece.
How to Serve Apple Upside Down Cake
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, top your Apple Upside Down Cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce can take every slice to another level of decadent—don’t hesitate to get creative!
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with simple sips, like warm spiced apple cider, black tea, or freshly brewed coffee. If you’re feeling indulgent, serve with a side of tart berries or a bright citrus salad to balance the cake’s sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut your Apple Upside Down Cake into wedges for a classic feel, or use a round cutter for mini cake stacks—delightful for parties! For a rustic presentation, try serving straight from a cast-iron skillet. If you’re feeling fancy, add edible flowers or apple chips as a fun, seasonal topper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple Upside Down Cake is best the day you make it, but leftovers keep beautifully. Simply cover the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, pop it in the fridge, where it will stay delicious for up to four days.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the cake to cool completely. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake (without toppings) tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to three months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer your Apple Upside Down Cake warm (and really, who doesn’t?), simply reheat slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. For more even warming, use a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 8–10 minutes. This refreshes the cake’s aroma and brings back that fresh-from-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different fruit instead of apples?
Absolutely! Pears, peaches, or plums all work beautifully in place of apples. Just be sure to use firm fruit so the topping remains distinct and doesn’t turn mushy during baking.
What kind of apples are best for Apple Upside Down Cake?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn are the top picks. They hold their shape while baking and provide a nice balance to the sweet caramelized topping.
Do I need a special pan?
No specialty equipment required! A standard 9-inch round cake pan works perfectly, but an oven-safe skillet adds a rustic touch and helps with even caramelization.
Can I make Apple Upside Down Cake gluten free?
You can! Just swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Be sure to check the rest of your ingredients for hidden gluten if allergies are a concern.
Why did my apple topping stick to the pan?
Sometimes the caramel layer can stick if the cake wasn’t cooled ten minutes or the pan wasn’t generously buttered. Make sure to give it that short rest and run a knife around the edge before inverting for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Apple Upside Down Cake is a true crowd-pleaser, brimming with old-fashioned charm and unforgettable flavor. Invite your friends or family to join you in the kitchen, give this recipe a try, and watch how quickly every bite disappears. There’s just something magical about apples, warm spice, and caramel that brings people together—enjoy every slice!
Print
Apple Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this delightful Apple Upside Down Cake. With a sweet caramelized apple topping and a moist, tender cake underneath, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Apple Topping:
- 3 medium apples (peeled, cored, and thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
For the Cake:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Topping: Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a 9-inch round cake pan. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over the butter. Arrange apple slices in a circular pattern over the sugar.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with milk, to form a smooth batter.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the batter over the apples in the pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.
- Serve: Enjoy warm or at room temperature, alone or with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer.
- Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
